Israel conducts ‘extensive airstrikes’ on Hamas in Gaza, cites stalled ceasefire talks

JERUSALEM: Israel launched a series of heavy airstrikes on Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, marking the first major military operation since the ceasefire began on January 19.

The renewed offensive follows the collapse of truce negotiations between Israel and Hamas.

According to medical officials in Gaza, at least 66 people were killed and more than 150 others injured in multiple strikes across northern Gaza, Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, Rafah, and Gaza City.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the attacks, stating that they were carried out in coordination with the Israeli Security Agency (ISA).

"In accordance with the political echelon, the IDF and ISA are currently conducting extensive strikes on terror targets belonging to the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip," the Israeli military announced on X.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office later justified the military action, attributing it to "Hamas's repeated refusal to release our hostages, as well as its rejection of all of the proposals it has received from US Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff and from the mediators."

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz have instructed the IDF to take strong action against the Hamas terrorist organisation in the Gaza Strip," the statement read.

Netanyahu's office further stated that the IDF is attacking targets of the Hamas terrorist organisation throughout the Gaza Strip "in order to achieve the objectives of the war as they have been determined by the political echelon, including the release of all of our hostages, the living and the deceased."

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength. The operational plan was presented by the IDF over the weekend and approved by the political leadership," the statement added. (IANS)

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